The measurement effectiveness of interpersonal skills training

Abstract

Communication is an art and a science. The human person is born with an innate need to communicate but is at the same time unable to do so with precision. It is in relationship that we develop communication. The whole complex phenomenon of interpersonal communication takes place painstakingly over time. The artist in us knows what is to be communicated but for us to acquire the skill to communicate effectively with others the passage of time is not enough. It is as if something has gone awry and the connection between the desire to communicate and the ability to do so has been lost. How else are we to explain the fact that adults lack the skills they need to communicate effectively with one another? Why is it that in spite of the fact that we all feel good when others communicate love and respect, yet we ourselves often lack the skill to communicate assertively with others irrespective of our age and the level of education? To this end we have seen the growing concern regarding good interpersonal communication. Life skills teaching and Interpersonal Skills training courses have become an integral part of the curriculum in most schools, colleges and Universities all over the world. Here in Malta we too have made provision for such formal training in the acquisition of interpersonal skills. A talented artist needs knowledge of technique as well in order to produce a work of art, and what is more beautiful than a person who knows how to communicate with others lovingly and at the same time assertively?